Research Associate (in Plant Breeding) at IITA - International Institute of Tropical Agriculture

Duties

• Conduct field-testing of different stages of breeding lines/populations.
• Create related studies in EBS, collect data, and upload the data into EBS in a timely manner
• Assist in leaf sampling for genotyping.
• Prepare seeds for grain quality and disease resistance screenings, and for field-testing on Africa Rice Research Stations and NARS in different countries.
• Assist in collection, curation and analysis research data and draft reports and research publications.
• Ensure digitization and barcoding of breeding nurseries, trials and seed inventories.
• Supervise technicians and labours on a daily basis.
• Assist in degree and non-degree training programs.
• Perform other related duties assigned by the Supervisor.

Requirements

• MSc in Genetics and Plant Breeding or related subjects with a minimum of three (3) years’ of relevant experience in design and implementation of experimental research.
• Experience with agricultural or research-related projects will be an added advantage.

Competencies:

• The ideal candidate must have:
• Competence in statistical analysis of research data.
• Experiences in cereals crop breeding and physiology.
• Experience in data collection and statistical analysis using advanced tools like R, Bioflow etc.
• Knowledge of markers assisted breeding and genomic selection is desirable.
• Strong communication and organizational skills and ability to work in a multicultural environment.
• Ability to implement tasks autonomously with minimal supervision and a collaborative team spirit to work effectively in the multidisciplinary team under pressure.
• High integrity results oriented and able to exercise good judgment and think creatively and strategically.
• Ability to communicate fluently (oral and writing) in English.

Benefits

• We offer highly competitive salary with equally attractive benefits and excellent working conditions in a pleasant campus environment.